Fernwood adds some zip to its resort attractions

Friday

Oct 11, 2013 at 9:26 AMOct 11, 2013 at 10:08 AM

Bushkill Group Inc owners of Villas at Tree Tops and Fairway Villas at Fernwood Resort, have had three ribbon cuttings in recent months, the latest taking place Oct. 2 when its newest attraction — Pocono Zip Racer — was unveiled.

SHARON ROTHMAN

Bushkill Group Inc. owners of Villas at Tree Tops and Fairway Villas at Fernwood Resort, have had three ribbon cuttings in recent months, the latest taking place Oct. 2 when its newest attraction — Pocono Zip Racer — was unveiled.

The zip line is on the 14-acre parcel it shares with Pocono TreeVentures, the first of the three attractions unveiled, followed by Blue Lightning tubing.

"We are very excited to be adding two new major attractions to our property and have now made it is easier for Tree Top and Fairway Villas owners as well as Fernwood guests and visitors throughout the region to use many recreation options offered through Pocono Mountain Adventures." said Gina Bertucci, Bushkill Group's vice president of sales and marketing.

Aerial adventure

Pocono TreeVentures is an aerial adventure that has been constructed and designed by Outdoor Ventures Group.

The aerial rope park has five courses for beginners as well as experts of all ages with 66 challenging elements. An estimated cost of $900,000 to build the new business has created 20 jobs to the community.

"We had two days of instruction and training which showed us how to properly use the gear and how to efficiently run the zip lines. The builders took about three weeks to complete the construction on this unique and beautiful property that is looking amazing with the fall foliage," said TreeVentures Manager Brandon Hodakoski, who was out with his staff assisting guests through the aerial forest adventures and zip-line racing.

With the rising popularity of rope adventure courses and zip lines with the public and Fernwood's timeshare guests who want more outdoor-oriented experiences, Bertucci said bringing that attraction to the Middle Smithfield resort "was a logical next step for our company."

The adventure park contains platforms constructed at various levels throughout the tree canopy that are connected with various types of bridges and rope systems. Participants maneuver from platform to platform-wearing safety harnesses.

What differentiates this from a backyard jungle gym is the Safe Link Smart Safety System, Bertucci said. Outdoors Ventures set up double-connected safety clips that help guests stay connected to a safety line at all times.

A thrilling experience

For about five hours a mix of local politicians, community members and media representatives with their families swung from the trees. Lehman Township Supervisor and Magisterial District Judge candidate Paul Menditto was one of the first to try. "I was quite nervous about going on the zip line because I have a deep fear of heights," Menditto said. "But I had done some of the TreeVentures ropes course before, and it really built up my confidence so that I could do the zip line. It was an invigorating experience, and these activities make a person really feel empowered."

Middle Smithfield Township Supervisor Annette Atkinson, who attended the ribbon-cutting, said, "I wasn't brave enough to do the dual zip line race in front of all those people, but Mike and I will go back with our families."

When asked about the newest addition to the township, Atkinson said, "We love welcoming Pocono Zip Racer. In fact, just that morning, we were talking about branding, and the brand for Middle Smithfield Township, 'Gateway to the National Park.' What better example of a complementary ventures than Pocono Zip Racer and Pocono TreeVentures? It's also in line with the new Monroe County 'Come Alive Outside' initiative. We're grateful to the Bushkill Group for their contribution to both our community and our economy."

Open spring, summer fall

Barring severe weather, the attractions are open rain or shine in spring, summer and fall, closing sometime in mid-December and reopening in late March. Rope courses are sold as two-hour sessions, with a signature of proper release form to anyone 7 and older with a minimum height of 42 inches and maximum weight of 265 pounds.

During October, the park is hosting Halloscream Nights 4-10 p.m. each Friday and Saturday. Guests can experience a haunted trail and maze for $10, paint and carve pumpkins for $2-$4 and view free movies projected on the side of the old barn, and events on Friday at Blue Lighting (all season tubing park) and on Saturdays at TreeVentures at 8 p.m.

There also are Frugal Fridays where patrons can ride Blue Lightning the entire time it is open from 5-9 p.m. for $18 and receive a $5 voucher toward a food purchase at Wintergreens. Also included is a free outdoor movie, weather permitting.

"Frugal Fridays have been extremely popular with the community," Bertucci said. "Expectations are high for next year. We are looking to have more guests because we'll have a full summer to be open. New courses will be built as well as other attractions such as a rock wall. We are trying to have the most exciting outdoor recreational activities in the area, along with a friendly and personable staff."